Pen was strong, last year. As long as Manager doesn't get too smart by taking out an effective pen arm who is getting quick and easy outs, just for the sake of chaning pitchers every inning. I understand not overworking one pitcher, but the pitch count and during the game effectiveness and matchup recent history should determine pen moves, not what inning it is.

Last year, they didn't get enough early innings from the starters. Lester and 5 innings doesn't cut it, but works for one game early. They need to get more 6 annd 6 and change starts from the starters, where they limit the opponent to 4 runs or less. Lester will need to go another inning, and going against the weak Yankee lineup wasn't where he needs to be during the long season.

Pen will be worn down and overused unless they get at least 3 starters who provide a lot of 6 innings plus quality starts. Lester needs to do better. Buch should be able to do it. We'll see on Douby, Dumpster and Slackey.

Starters usually don't go deep into games on Apr 1st, especially with the climate change. I'm surprised at you.

Very true nhs. There are some guys that will do that, but its certainly not unusual to come to a cold climate after being in a warm one and not pitch past the 5th or 6th.

Today's xcellent start aside, I honestly think this BP could be the best in the mlb. Miller has been the most unsung career turnaround with the Sox! The guy is becoming one of he best LHRP specialists in the business! Great stuff! :)

He was a little off yesterday, but overall he has done a great job in his new role.

I have been touting the potential of this pen since the Hanrahan signing, and I have total faith that sometime before Summer we are going to see the Old Daniel Bard remeerge.....mechanically they have got his velocity back and are a long ways into getting his command back....now they just have to get his swagger back. Add that to Morales and Breslow....it will be interesting to see what they do with everyone healthy.....defintely need another lefy in the Pen, so when either Morales or Breslow is ready, you need to move someone, and I no longer think Tazawa is even an option to be sent back down, so that leaves Aceves or Mortensen...,Aceves has options but if you demote him you will lose him anyway....too soon to worry.....these things have a way of sorting themselves out.

I expected Uehara, Hanrahan to be strong. What was most encouraging to me was seeing Bailey have so much much life on his pitches. Sharp. That was the Andrew Bailey that was worth trading Reddick for.

i'm so excited for our BP this season. all of them throw well over 95 MPH (with movement) except Uehara. he still hits 90, makes his pitches dance and is deadly accurate. and Breslow/morales still haven't come back yet. good god!

I was surprised that Farrell didn't let Uehara go an extra inning given that he only threw 5 pitches or throw Bailey out there for the 8th. I guess given the off day on Tuesday, he wanted to give as many pitchers work as possible. The chillling and windy weather may also have been a factor. His use of them also communicates confidence.

Farrell made two comments about the pen that I heard (or read - see the Extra Bases blog). One, since Bailey has been used mostly as a closer, he did not want him to sit down then come back in to start another inning. It is not something he is used to. I imagine that will happen as the season progresses. Two, as you stated, with the off day he wanted to get as many pitchers work as he could. I know it is early in the season, but so far I like what Farrell has brought to the team.

I have been touting the potential of this pen since the Hanrahan signing, and I have total faith that sometime before Summer we are going to see the Old Daniel Bard remeerge.....mechanically they have got his velocity back and are a long ways into getting his command back....now they just have to get his swagger back. Add that to Morales and Breslow....it will be interesting to see what they do with everyone healthy.....defintely need another lefy in the Pen, so when either Morales or Breslow is ready, you need to move someone, and I no longer think Tazawa is even an option to be sent back down, so that leaves Aceves or Mortensen...,Aceves has options but if you demote him you will lose him anyway....too soon to worry.....these things have a way of sorting themselves out.

I concur these things do have a way of sorting themselves out...Mortensen is the guy that could be the odd man out and it wouldn't surprise me if Aceves is moved either. It's a long season, so my guess is they'll use the dl, "rehab outings in AAA" and the remaining options to keep everyone. While trolling for offers from other clubs in need of an arm.

Every year our April bullpen seems to include one or two Scott Schoenoeweis/Joe Nelson/Dennys Reyes retread types who flunk out after a week or two with an 8.50 ERA. One thing that struck me is that there are no such weak links this year - and that's with two premium guys (Breslow and Morales) starting on the DL.